The administration’s proposal to broaden the definition of the “public charge” rule will threaten the livelihood and future of immigrant families who live paycheck to paycheck. These changes would force immigrants to make the heartbreaking decision between providing for their families and their futures in the United States. This is yet another example of the Trump administration’s agenda to strip people of dignity on the basis of race and economic status alone.

Whether they are children, women, aging, disabled, Muslim or not, immigrants of all backgrounds who access public benefits will be affected by this rule change. You can stand up for immigrants and #ProtectFamilies by signing on to our comment today.

The changes to the “public charge” rule will define immigrants by what they can’t do rather than what they can do. An essential part of our community’s story was written by families who came to this country with nothing, worked hard, and built better lives. These changes would reject our shared history and ensure that only the wealthiest immigrants can have a future here. They would make us sicker, poorer, and hungrier by scaring families away from seeking programs that support their basic needs.